The European Union is falling behind on almost all targets of its own environmental action program until 2030. The annual overview confirming this delay coincides with currently announced plans that further relax existing rules. This is raising fears that the gap between ambitions and reality will only grow larger.
The new Omnibus proposals mean that many European environmental laws from the previous European Commission (VDL-1) will be weakened. Environmental organizations warn that the changes from VDL-2 go beyond technical adjustments and directly affect the protection of nature, health, and living environment.
Several organizations warn that important nature protection laws will come under pressure as a result. Rules that protect against ecosystem damage and water pollution could be weakened once they are reopened.
The package reopens previously established standards for industry, agriculture, and waste. A notable point is that large livestock farms will have fewer obligations to report energy and water use. The obligation to assess alternatives to the use of chemical pesticides will also be removed. Critics call this a step backward that maintains pollution.
Agricultural policy is also shifting further. Pressure on existing agreements regarding manure use, protected natural areas, and water quality is increasing. At the same time, warnings are issued that farmers remain dependent on clear rules, and that relaxations could lead to inequalities between regions.
Dutch Member of the European Parliament Bas Eickhout (GreenLeft/PvdA) calls this "a completely wrong signal to the largest agricultural companies in Europe, but also unfair to the farmers who are well-intentioned: go ahead and pollute, we will not hold you accountable."
A frequently expressed concern is that once laws are reopened, the final adjustment will be more far-reaching than initially intended. Opponents argue this allows additional pressure to further weaken existing rules, thereby eroding the foundation of European environmental policy.
The Omnibus package is not an isolated case. Earlier, plans were softened and postponed that reduced obligations for companies regarding sustainability and supply chains. Together these proposals outline a course in which environmental rules are more quickly amended or limited, precisely while reports show the EU is not meeting its targets.
The new laws are now being submitted to the European Parliament and EU countries. Eickhout fears it will go the same way as with earlier omnibus packages: Brussels proposes limited changes, but longstanding resentment of right-wing EU politicians against Climate policy and the Green Deal paves the way for 'wrecking-ball laws' to weaken European environmental protections.